Stem cell regulation by lysophospholipids

Knockdown of TRPV2 inhibits the migration of RAW264.7 cells toward low fluid shear stress region

Our previous studies have demonstrated that macrophages (RAW264.7) have a special ability for sensing the gradient of fluid shear stress (FSS) and migrate toward the low-FSS region. However, the molecular mechanism regulating this phenomenon is still unclear. In this study, we examined the transcriptome genes in RAW264.7 cells, MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, canine renal epithelial cells, and periodontal ligament cells. The expression levels of genes related to cell migration, force transfer, and force sensitivity in the Ca2+ signaling pathway were analyzed. We observed that the transient receptor potential cation channel type 2 (TRPV2) was highly expressed in RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, we used lentiviral transfection to knockdown TRPV2 expression in RAW264.7 cells and studied the effect of TRPV2 on the migration of RAW264.7 cells under a gradient FSS field. The results showed that compared with normal cells, TRPV2-knockdown cells had impaired ability for sensing FSS gradient to migrate toward the low-FSS region and lower intracellular calcium response to FSS stimulation. This study may reveal the molecular mechanism of regulating the directional migration of macrophages under a gradient FSS field.

Targeting Acute Myeloid Leukemia Using Sphingosine Kinase 1 Inhibitor-Loaded Liposomes

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) kills 75% of patients and represents a major clinical challenge with a need to improve on current treatment approaches. Targeting sphingosine kinase 1 with a novel ATP-competitive-inhibitor, MP-A08, induces cell death in AML. However, limitations in MP-A08's "drug-like properties" (solubility, biodistribution, and potency) hinder its pathway to the clinic. This study demonstrates a liposome-based delivery system of MP-A08 that exhibits enhanced MP-A08 potency against AML cells. MP-A08-liposomes increased MP-A08 efficacy against patient AML cells (>140-fold) and significantly prolonged overall survival of mice with human AML disease (P = 0.03). The significant antileukemic property of MP-A08-liposomes could be attributed to its enhanced specificity, bioaccessibility, and delivery to the bone marrow, as demonstrated in the pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies. Our findings indicate that MP-A08-liposomes have potential as a novel treatment for AML.

Plpp3, a novel regulator of pluripotency exit and endodermal differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells

In recent decades, study of the actions of bioactive lipids such as lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has increased since they are involved in regulating many processes, including self-renewal of embryonic stem cells, embryo development and cancer. Phospholipid phosphatase type 3 (PLPP3) has been shown to be a key player in regulating the balance of these lipids and, in consequence, their signaling. Different lines of evidence suggest that PLPP3 could play a role in endoderm development. To approach this hypothesis, we used mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC) as a model to study Plpp3 function in self-renewal and the transition towards differentiation. We found that lack of PLPP3 mainly affects endoderm formation during differentiation of suspension-formed embryoid bodies. PLPP3-deficient ESC strongly decrease the amount of FOXA2-expressing cells and fail to properly downregulate the expression of pluripotency factors when subjected to an endoderm-directed differentiation protocol. Impaired endoderm differentiation correlated with a transient reduction in nuclear localization of YAP1. These phenotypes were rescued by transiently restoring the expression of catalytically active hPLPP3. In conclusion, PLPP3 plays a role in downregulating pluripotency-associated factors and in endodermal differentiation. PLPP3 regulates proper lipid/YAP1 signaling required for endodermal differentiation.

The Role of Sphingolipid Metabolism in Bone Remodeling

Emerging studies of bioactive lipids have made many exciting discoveries in recent years. Sphingolipids and their metabolites perform a wide variety of cellular functions beyond energy metabolism. Emerging evidence based on genetically manipulated mouse models and molecular biology allows us to obtain new insights into the role sphingolipid played on skeletal remodeling. This review summarizes studies or understandings of the crosstalk between sphingomyelin, ceramide, and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) of sphingolipids family and the cells, especially osteoblasts and osteoclasts of the bone through which bone is remodeled during life constantly. This review also shows agonists and antagonists of S1P as possible therapeutic options and opportunities on bone diseases.

Bioactive Lipid O-cyclic phytosphingosine-1-phosphate Promotes Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells into Cardiomyocytes via ALK3/BMPR Signaling

Adult human cardiomyocytes have an extremely limited proliferative capacity, which poses a great barrier to regenerative medicine and research. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have been proposed as an alternative source to generate large numbers of clinical grade cardiomyocytes (CMs) that can have potential therapeutic applications to treat cardiac diseases. Previous studies have shown that bioactive lipids are involved in diverse cellular responses including cardiogenesis. In this study, we explored the novel function of the chemically synthesized bioactive lipid O-cyclic phytosphingosine-1-phosphate (cP1P) as an inducer of cardiac differentiation. Here, we identified cP1P as a novel factor that significantly enhances the differentiation potential of hESCs into cardiomyocytes. Treatment with cP1P augments the beating colony number and contracting area of CMs. Furthermore, we elucidated the molecular mechanism of cP1P regulating SMAD1/5/8 signaling via the ALK3/BMP receptor cascade during cardiac differentiation. Our result provides a new insight for cP1P usage to improve the quality of CM differentiation for regenerative therapies.

Synthetic alkyl-ether-lipid promotes TRPV2 channel trafficking trough PI3K/Akt-girdin axis in cancer cells and increases mammary tumour volume

The Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid type 2 (TRPV2) channel is highly selective for Ca2+ and can be activated by lipids, such as LysoPhosphatidylCholine (LPC). LPC analogues, such as the synthetic alkyl-ether-lipid edelfosine or the endogenous alkyl-ether-lipid Platelet Activating Factor (PAF), modulates ion channels in cancer cells. This opens the way to develop alkyl-ether-lipids for the modulation of TRPV2 in cancer. Here, we investigated the role of 2-Acetamido-2-Deoxy-l-O-Hexadecyl-rac-Glycero-3-PhosphatidylCholine (AD-HGPC), a new alkyl-ether-lipid (LPC analogue), on TRPV2 trafficking and its impact on Ca2+ -dependent cell migration. The effect of AD-HGPC on the TRPV2 channel and tumour process was further investigated using calcium imaging and an in vivo mouse model. Using molecular and pharmacological approaches, we dissected the mechanism implicated in alkyl-ether-lipids sensitive TRPV2 trafficking. We found that TRPV2 promotes constitutive Ca2+ entry, leading to migration of highly metastatic breast cancer cell lines through the PI3K/Akt-Girdin axis. AD-HGPC addresses the functional TRPV2 channel in the plasma membrane through Golgi stimulation and PI3K/Akt/Rac-dependent cytoskeletal reorganization, leading to constitutive Ca2+ entry and breast cancer cell migration (without affecting the development of metastasis), in a mouse model. We describe, for the first time, the biological role of a new alkyl-ether-lipid on TRPV2 channel trafficking in breast cancer cells and highlight the potential modulation of TRPV2 by alkyl-ether-lipids as a novel avenue for research in the treatment of metastatic cancer.

Sphingosine Kinase 1 Signaling in Breast Cancer: A Potential Target to Tackle Breast Cancer Stem Cells

Sphingosine kinases (SPHKs) are conserved lipid enzymes that catalyze the formation of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) through ATP-dependent phosphorylation of sphingosine. Two distinct SPHK isoforms, namely SPHK1 and SPHK2, have been identified to date, and the former has been implicated for its oncogenic roles in cancer development and progression. While SPHK1 signaling axis has been extensively studied in non-stem breast cancer cells, recent evidence has emerged to suggest a role of SPHK1 in regulating cancer stem cells (CSCs). With the clinical implications of CSCs in disease relapse and metastasis, it is believed that therapeutic approaches that can eradicate both non-stem cancer cells and CSCs could be a key to cancer cure. In this review, we first explore the oncogenic functions of sphingosine kinase 1 in human cancers and summarize current research findings of SPHK1 signaling with a focus on breast cancer. We also discuss the therapeutic potentials and perspectives of targeting SPHK1 signaling in breast cancer and cancer stem cells. We aim to offer new insights and inspire future studies looking further into the regulatory functions of SPHK1 in CSC-driven tumorigenesis, uncovering novel therapeutic avenues of using SPHK1-targeted therapy in the treatment of CSC-enriched refractory cancers.

The Role of Lysophosphatidic Acid in Adult Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated multipotent precursor cells that are capable both of perpetuating themselves as stem cells (self-renewal) and of undergoing differentiation into one or more specialized types of cells. And these stem cells have been reported to reside within distinct anatomic locations termed “niches”. The long-term goals of stem cell biology range from an understanding of cell-lineage determination and tissue organization to cellular therapeutics for degenerative diseases. Stem cells maintain tissue function throughout an organism’s lifespan by replacing differentiated cells. To perform this function, stem cells provide a unique combination of multilineage developmental potential and the capacity to undergo self-renewing divisions. The loss of self-renewal capacity in stem cells underlies certain degenerative diseases and the aging process. This self-renewal regulation must balance the regenerative needs of tissues that persist throughout life. Recent evidence suggests lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling pathway plays an important role in the regulation of a variety of stem cells. In this review, we summarize the evidence linking between LPA and stem cell regulation. The LPA-induced signaling pathway regulates the proliferation and survival of stem cells and progenitors, and thus are likely to play a role in the maintenance of stem cell population in the body. This lipid mediator regulatory system can be a novel potential therapeutics for stem cell maintenance.

Lysophosphatidic Acid and Hematopoiesis: From Microenvironmental Effects to Intracellular Signaling

Vertebrate hematopoiesis is a complex physiological process that is tightly regulated by intracellular signaling and extracellular microenvironment. In recent decades, breakthroughs in lineage-tracing technologies and lipidomics have revealed the existence of numerous lipid molecules in hematopoietic microenvironment. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive phospholipid molecule, is one of the identified lipids that participates in hematopoiesis. LPA exhibits various physiological functions through activation of G-protein-coupled receptors. The functions of these LPARs have been widely studied in stem cells, while the roles of LPARs in hematopoietic stem cells have rarely been examined. Nonetheless, mounting evidence supports the importance of the LPA-LPAR axis in hematopoiesis. In this article, we have reviewed regulation of hematopoiesis in general and focused on the microenvironmental and intracellular effects of the LPA in hematopoiesis. Discoveries in these areas may be beneficial to our understanding of blood-related disorders, especially in the context of prevention and therapy for anemia.

Endothelial Differentiation G Protein-Coupled Receptor 5 Plays an Important Role in Induction and Maintenance of Pluripotency

Direct reprogramming of human somatic cells toward induced pluripotent stem cells holds great promise for regenerative medicine and basic biology. We used a high-throughput small interfering RNA screening assay in the initiation phase of reprogramming for 784 genes belonging to kinase and phosphatase families and identified 68 repressors and 22 effectors. Six new candidates belonging to the family of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) were identified, suggesting an important role for this key signaling pathway during somatic cell-induced reprogramming. Downregulation of one of the key GPCR effectors, endothelial differentiation GPCR5 (EDG5), impacted the maintenance of pluripotency, actin cytoskeleton organization, colony integrity, and focal adhesions in human embryonic stem cells, which were associated with the alteration in the RhoA-ROCK-Cofilin-PAXILLIN-actin signaling pathway. Similarly, downregulation of EDG5 during the initiation stage of somatic cell-induced reprogramming resulted in alteration of cytoskeleton, loss of human-induced pluripotent stem cell colony integrity, and a significant reduction in partially and fully reprogrammed cells as well as the number of alkaline phosphatase positive colonies at the end of the reprogramming process. Together, these data point to an important role of EDG5 in the maintenance and acquisition of pluripotency. Stem Cells 2019;37:318-331.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate-mediated activation of ezrin-radixin-moesin proteins contributes to cytoskeletal remodeling and changes of membrane properties in epithelial otic vesicle progenitors

Hearing loss is among the most prevalent sensory impairments in humans. Cochlear implantable devices represent the current therapies for hearing loss but have various shortcomings. ERM (ezrin- radixin -moesin) are a family of adaptor proteins that link plasma membrane with actin cytoskeleton, playing a crucial role in cell morphology and in the formation of membrane protrusions. Recently, bioactive sphingolipids have emerged as regulators of ERM proteins. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a pleiotropic sphingolipid which regulates fundamental cellular functions such as proliferation, survival, migration as well as processes such as development and inflammation mainly via ligation to its specific receptors S1PR (S1P_1-5). Experimental findings demonstrate a key role for S1P signaling axis in the maintenance of auditory function. Preservation of cellular junctions is a fundamental function both for S1P and ERM proteins, crucial for the maintenance of cochlear integrity. In the present work, S1P was found to activate ERM in a S1P₂-dependent manner in murine auditory epithelial progenitors US/VOT-E36. S1P-induced ERM activation potently contributed to actin cytoskeletal remodeling and to the appearance of ionic currents and membrane passive properties changes typical of more differentiated cells. Moreover, PKC and Akt activation was found to mediate S1P-induced ERM phosphorylation. The obtained findings contribute to demonstrate the role of S1P signaling pathway in inner ear biology and to disclose potential innovative therapeutical approaches in the field of hearing loss prevention and treatment.

Therapeutic targeting of lipid synthesis metabolism for selective elimination of cancer stem cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are believed to have an essential role in tumor resistance and metastasis; however, no therapeutic strategy for the selective elimination of CSCs has been established. Recently, several studies have shown that the metabolic regulation for ATP synthesis and biological building block generation in CSCs are different from that in bulk cancer cells and rather similar to that in normal tissue stem cells. To take advantage of this difference for CSC elimination therapy, many studies have tested the effect of blocking these metabolism. Two specific processes for lipid biosynthesis, i.e., fatty acid unsaturation and cholesterol biosynthesis, have been shown to be very effective and selective for CSC targets. In this review, lipid metabolism specific to CSCs are summarized. In addition, how monounsaturated fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis may contribute to CSC maintenance are discussed. Specifically, the molecular mechanism required for lipid synthesis and essential for stem cell biology is highlighted. The limit and preview of the lipid metabolism targeting for CSCs are also discussed.

Signaling-Dependent Control of Apical Membrane Size and Self-Renewal in Rosette-Stage Human Neuroepithelial Stem Cells

In the developing nervous system, neural stem cells are polarized and maintain an apical domain facing a central lumen. The presence of apical membrane is thought to have a profound influence on maintaining the stem cell state. With the onset of neurogenesis, cells lose their polarization, and the concomitant loss of the apical domain coincides with a loss of the stem cell identity. Little is known about the molecular signals controlling apical membrane size. Here, we use two neuroepithelial cell systems, one derived from regenerating axolotl spinal cord and the other from human embryonic stem cells, to identify a molecular signaling pathway initiated by lysophosphatidic acid that controls apical membrane size and consequently controls and maintains epithelial organization and lumen size in neuroepithelial rosettes. This apical domain size increase occurs independently of effects on proliferation and involves a serum response factor-dependent transcriptional induction of junctional and apical membrane components.

Stage-specific Effects of Bioactive Lipids on Human iPSC Cardiac Differentiation and Cardiomyocyte Proliferation

Bioactive lipids such as sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) regulate diverse processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. However, their roles in cardiac differentiation and cardiomyocyte proliferation have not been explored. Using a 96-well differentiation platform for generating human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) we found that S1P and LPA can independently enhance cardiomyocyte generation when administered at an early stage of differentiation. We showed that the combined S1P and LPA treatment of undifferentiated hiPSCs resulted in increased nuclear accumulation of β-catenin, the canonical Wnt signaling pathway mediator, and synergized with CHIR99021, a glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta inhibitor, to enhance mesodermal induction and subsequent cardiac differentiation. At later stages of cardiac differentiation, the addition of S1P and LPA resulted in cell cycle initiation in hiPSC-CMs, an effect mediated through increased ERK signaling. Although the addition of S1P and LPA alone was insufficient to induce cell division, it was able to enhance β-catenin-mediated hiPSC-CM proliferation. In summary, we demonstrated a developmental stage-specific effect of bioactive lipids to enhance hiPSC-CM differentiation and proliferation via modulating the effect of canonical Wnt/β-catenin and ERK signaling. These findings may improve hiPSC-CM generation for cardiac disease modeling, precision medicine, and regenerative therapies.

Current Understanding of the Pathways Involved in Adult Stem and Progenitor Cell Migration for Tissue Homeostasis and Repair

With the advancements in the field of adult stem and progenitor cells grows the recognition that the motility of primitive cells is a pivotal aspect of their functionality. There is accumulating evidence that the recruitment of tissue-resident and circulating cells is critical for organ homeostasis and effective injury responses, whereas the pathobiology of degenerative diseases, neoplasm and aging, might be rooted in the altered ability of immature cells to migrate. Furthermore, understanding the biological machinery determining the translocation patterns of tissue progenitors is of great relevance for the emerging methodologies for cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine. The present article provides an overview of studies addressing the physiological significance and diverse modes of stem and progenitor cell trafficking in adult mammalian organs, discusses the major microenvironmental cues regulating cell migration, and describes the implementation of live imaging approaches for the exploration of stem cell movement in tissues and the factors dictating the motility of endogenous and transplanted cells with regenerative potential.

Role of TAZ in Lysophosphatidic Acid-Induced Migration and Proliferation of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Transcriptional co-activator with a PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) is an important factor in lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-induced promotion of migration and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The expression of TAZ significantly increased at 6 h after LPA treatment, and TAZ knockdown inhibited the LPA-induced migration and proliferation of MSCs. In addition, embryonic fibroblasts from TAZ knockout mice exhibited the reduction in LPA-induced migration and proliferation. The LPA1 receptor inhibitor Ki16425 blocked LPA responses in MSCs. Although TAZ knockdown or knockout did not reduce LPA-induced phosphorylation of ERK and AKT, the MEK inhibitor U0126 or the ROCK inhibitor Y27632 blocked LPA-induced TAZ expression along with the reduction in the proliferation and migration of MSCs. Our data suggest that TAZ is an important mediator of LPA signaling in MSCs in the downstream of MEK and ROCK signaling.

Current Developments in Mobilization of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells and Their Interaction with Niches in Bone Marrow

The clinical application of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) has evolved from a highly experimental stage in the 1980s to a currently clinically established treatment for more than 20,000 patients annually who suffer from hematological malignancies and other severe diseases. Studies in numerous murine models have demonstrated that HSPCs reside in distinct niches within the bone marrow environment. Whereas transplanted HSPCs travel through the bloodstream and home to sites of hematopoiesis, HSPCs can be mobilized from these niches into the blood either physiologically or induced by pharmaceutical drugs. Firstly, this review aims to give a synopsis of milestones defining niches and mobilization pathways for HSPCs, including the identification of several cell types involved such as osteoblasts, adventitial reticular cells, endothelial cells, monocytic cells, and granulocytic cells. The main factors that anchor HSPCs in the niche, and/or induce their quiescence are vascular cell adhesion molecule(VCAM)-1, CD44, hematopoietic growth factors, e.g. stem cell factor (SCF) and FLT3 Ligand, chemokines including CXCL12, growth-regulated protein beta and IL-8, proteases, peptides, and other chemical transmitters such as nucleotides. In the second part of the review, we revise the current understanding of HSPC mobilization. Here, we discuss which mechanisms found to be active in HSPC mobilization correspond to the mechanisms relevant for HSPC interaction with niche cells, but also deal with other mediators and signals that target individual cell types and receptors to mobilize HSPCs. A multitude of questions remain to be addressed for a better understanding of HSPC biology and its implications for therapy, including more comprehensive concepts for regulatory circuits such as calcium homeostasis and parathormone, metabolic regulation such as by leptin, the significance of autonomic nervous system, the consequences of alteration of niches in aged patients, or the identification of more easily accessible markers to better predict the efficiency of HSPC mobilization.

Preparation of functional human lysophosphatidic acid receptor 2 using a P9∗ expression system and an amphipathic polymer and investigation of its in vitro binding preference to Gα proteins

Human lysophosphatidic acid receptor 2 (LPA₂), a member of the G-protein coupled receptor family, mediates lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-dependent signaling by recruiting various G proteins. Particularly, it is directly implicated in the progression of colorectal and ovarian cancer through G protein signaling cascades. To investigate the biochemical binding properties of LPA₂ against various alpha subunits of G protein (G_α), a functional recombinant LPA₂ was overexpressed in E. coli membrane with a P9^∗ expression system, and the purified protein was stabilized with an amphipathic polymer that had been synthesized by coupling octylamine, glucosamine, and diethyl aminoproylamine at the carboxylic groups of poly-γ-glutamic acid. The purified LPA₂ stabilized with the amphipathic polymer showed selective binding activity to the various G_α proteins as well as agonist-dependent dissociation from G_αi3. Understanding the binding properties of LPA₂ against various G_α proteins advances the understanding of downstream signaling cascades of LPA₂. The functional LPA₂ prepared using a P9^∗ expression system and an amphipathic polymer could also facilitate the development of LPA₂-targeting drugs.

Investigation of the Cell Surface Proteome of Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells

The present study examined the cell surface proteome of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSC) compared to human fibroblasts. Cell surface proteins were prelabelled with CyDye before processing to extract the membrane lysates, which were separated using 2D electrophoresis. Selected differentially expressed protein “spots” were identified using Mass spectrometry. Four proteins were selected for validation: CD73, CD90, Annexin A2, and sphingosine kinase 1 previously associated with mesenchymal stem cells. Flow cytometric analysis found that CD73 and CD90 were highly expressed by human PDLSC and gingival fibroblasts but not by keratinocytes, indicating that these antigens could be used as potential markers for distinguishing between mesenchymal cells and epithelial cell populations. Annexin A2 was also found to be expressed at low copy number on the cell surface of human PDLSC and gingival fibroblasts, while human keratinocytes lacked any cell surface expression of Annexin A2. In contrast, sphingosine kinase 1 expression was detected in all the cell types examined using immunocytochemical analysis. These proteomic studies form the foundation to further define the cell surface protein expression profile of PDLSC in order to better characterise this cell population and help develop novel strategies for the purification of this stem cell population.

Pharmacological activation of lysophosphatidic acid receptors regulates erythropoiesis

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a growth factor-like phospholipid, regulates numerous physiological functions, including cell proliferation and differentiation. In a previous study, we have demonstrated that LPA activates erythropoiesis by activating the LPA 3 receptor subtype (LPA₃) under erythropoietin (EPO) induction. In the present study, we applied a pharmacological approach to further elucidate the functions of LPA receptors during red blood cell (RBC) differentiation. In K562 human erythroleukemia cells, knockdown of LPA₂ enhanced erythropoiesis, whereas knockdown of LPA₃ inhibited RBC differentiation. In CD34⁺ human hematopoietic stem cells (hHSC) and K526 cells, the LPA₃ agonist 1-oleoyl-2-methyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphothionate (2S-OMPT) promoted erythropoiesis, whereas the LPA₂ agonist dodecyl monophosphate (DMP) and the nonlipid specific agonist GRI977143 (GRI) suppressed this process. In zebrafish embryos, hemoglobin expression was significantly increased by 2S-OMPT treatment but was inhibited by GRI. Furthermore, GRI treatment decreased, whereas 2S-OMPT treatment increased RBC counts and amount of hemoglobin level in adult BALB/c mice. These results indicate that LPA₂ and LPA₃ play opposing roles during RBC differentiation. The pharmacological activation of LPA receptor subtypes represent a novel strategies for augmenting or inhibiting erythropoiesis.

New insight on obesity and adipose-derived stem cells using comprehensive metabolomics

Obesity affects the functional capability of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and their effective use in regenerative medicine through mechanisms that are still poorly understood. In the present study we used a multiplatform [LC/MS, GC/MS and capillary electrophoresis/MS (CE/MS)], metabolomics, untargeted approach to investigate the metabolic alteration underlying the inequalities observed in obesity-derived ASCs. The metabolic fingerprint (metabolites within the cells) and footprint (metabolites secreted in the culture medium), from obesity- and non-obesity-derived ASCs of humans or mice, were characterized to provide valuable information. Metabolites associated with glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, the pentose phosphate pathway and the polyol pathway were increased in the footprint of obesity-derived human ASCs, indicating alterations in carbohydrate metabolism, whereas, from the murine model, deep differences in lipid and amino acid catabolism were highlighted. Therefore, new insights on the ASCs' metabolome were provided that enhance our understanding of the processes underlying ASCs' stemness capacity and its relationship with obesity, in different cell models.

Lysophosphatidic acid receptors (LPARs): Potential targets for the treatment of neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain can arise from lesions to peripheral or central nerve fibres leading to spontaneous action potential generation and a lowering of the nociceptive threshold. Clinically, neuropathic pain can manifest in many chronic disease states such as cancer, diabetes or multiple sclerosis (MS). The bioactive lipid, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), via activation of its receptors (LPARs), is thought to play a central role in both triggering and maintaining neuropathic pain. In particular, following an acute nerve injury, the excitatory neurotransmitters glutamate and substance P are released from primary afferent neurons leading to upregulated synthesis of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), the precursor for LPA production. LPC is converted to LPA by autotaxin (ATX), which can then activate macrophages/microglia and modulate neuronal functioning. A ubiquitous feature of animal models of neuropathic pain is demyelination of damaged nerves. It is thought that LPA contributes to demyelination through several different mechanisms. Firstly, high levels of LPA are produced following macrophage/microglial activation that triggers a self-sustaining feed-forward loop of de novo LPA synthesis. Secondly, macrophage/microglial activation contributes to inflammation-mediated demyelination of axons, thus initiating neuropathic pain. Therefore, targeting LPA production and/or the family of LPA-activated G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) may prove to be fruitful clinical approaches to treating demyelination and the accompanying neuropathic pain. This review discusses our current understanding of the role of LPA/LPAR signalling in the initiation of neuropathic pain and suggests potential targeted strategies for its treatment. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Lipid Sensing G Protein-Coupled Receptors in the CNS'.

Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase-1 upregulation by O-GlcNAcylation of Sp1 protects against hypoxia-induced mouse embryonic stem cell apoptosis via mTOR activation

Oxygen signaling is critical for stem cell regulation, and oxidative stress-induced stem cell apoptosis decreases the efficiency of stem cell therapy. Hypoxia activates O-linked β-N-acetyl glucosaminylation (O-GlcNAcylation) of stem cells, which contributes to regulation of cellular metabolism, as well as cell fate. Our study investigated the role of O-GlcNAcylation via glucosamine in the protection of hypoxia-induced apoptosis of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Hypoxia increased mESCs apoptosis in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, hypoxia also slightly increased the O-GlcNAc level. Glucosamine treatment further enhanced the O-GlcNAc level and prevented hypoxia-induced mESC apoptosis, which was suppressed by O-GlcNAc transferase inhibitors. In addition, hypoxia regulated several lipid metabolic enzymes, whereas glucosamine increased expression of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase-1 (GPAT1), a lipid metabolic enzyme producing lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). In addition, glucosamine-increased O-GlcNAcylation of Sp1, which subsequently leads to Sp1 nuclear translocation and GPAT1 expression. Silencing of GPAT1 by gpat1 siRNA transfection reduced glucosamine-mediated anti-apoptosis in mESCs and reduced mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation. Indeed, LPA prevented mESCs from undergoing hypoxia-induced apoptosis and increased phosphorylation of mTOR and its substrates (S6K1 and 4EBP1). Moreover, mTOR inactivation by rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor) increased pro-apoptotic proteins expressions and mESC apoptosis. Furthermore, transplantation of non-targeting siRNA and glucosamine-treated mESCs increased cell survival and inhibited flap necrosis in mouse skin flap model. Conversely, silencing of GPAT1 expression reversed those glucosamine effects. In conclusion, enhancing O-GlcNAcylation of Sp1 by glucosamine stimulates GPAT1 expression, which leads to inhibition of hypoxia-induced mESC apoptosis via mTOR activation.

Autotaxin Regulates Maintenance of Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells through Lysophosphatidic Acid-Mediated Autocrine Mechanism

Ovarian cancer shows high mortality due to development of resistance to chemotherapy and relapse. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been suggested to be a major contributor in developing drug resistance and relapse in ovarian cancer. In this study, we isolated CSCs through sphere culture of A2780, SKOV3, OVCAR3 epithelial ovarian cancer cells and primary ovarian cancer cells from patients. We identified heat-stable factors secreted from ovarian CSCs stimulated migration and proliferation of CSCs. Mass spectrometry and ELISA analysis revealed that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) was significantly elevated in CSC culture media compared with non-CSC culture media. Treatment of CSCs with LPA resulted in augmented CSC characteristics such as sphere-forming ability, resistance to anticancer drugs, tumorigenic potential in xenograft transplantation, and high expression of CSC-associated genes, including OCT4, SOX2, and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1. Treatment of CSCs with LPA receptor 1-specific inhibitors or silencing of LPA receptor 1 expression abrogated the LPA-stimulated CSC properties. Autotaxin, an LPA-producing enzyme, is highly secreted from ovarian CSCs, and pharmacological inhibition or knockdown of autotaxin markedly attenuated the LPA-producing, tumorigenic, and drug resistance potentials of CSCs. Clinicopathological analysis showed a significant survival disadvantage of patients with positive staining of autotaxin. In addition, we further identified that AKT1 activity was upregulated in ovarian CSCs through an LPA-dependent mechanism and silencing of AKT1 expression led to suppression of CSC characteristics. These results suggest that autotaxin-LPA-LPA receptor 1-AKT1 signaling axis is critical for maintaining CSC characteristics through an autocrine loop and provide a novel therapeutic target for ovarian CSCs.

A selective ATP-competitive sphingosine kinase inhibitor demonstrates anti-cancer properties

The dynamic balance of cellular sphingolipids, the sphingolipid rheostat, is an important determinant of cell fate, and is commonly deregulated in cancer. Sphingosine 1-phosphate is a signaling molecule with anti-apoptotic, pro-proliferative and pro-angiogenic effects, while conversely, ceramide and sphingosine are pro-apoptotic. The sphingosine kinases (SKs) are key regulators of this sphingolipid rheostat, and are attractive targets for anti-cancer therapy. Here we report a first-in-class ATP-binding site-directed small molecule SK inhibitor, MP-A08, discovered using an approach of structural homology modelling of the ATP-binding site of SK1 and in silico docking with small molecule libraries. MP-A08 is a highly selective ATP competitive SK inhibitor that targets both SK1 and SK2. MP-A08 blocks pro-proliferative signalling pathways, induces mitochondrial-associated apoptosis in a SK-dependent manner, and reduces the growth of human lung adenocarcinoma tumours in a mouse xenograft model by both inducing tumour cell apoptosis and inhibiting tumour angiogenesis. Thus, this selective ATP competitive SK inhibitor provides a promising candidate for potential development as an anti-cancer therapy, and also, due to its different mode of inhibition to other known SK inhibitors, both validates the SKs as targets for anti-cancer therapy, and represents an important experimental tool to study these enzymes.

Autotaxin-LPA axis regulates hMSC migration by adherent junction disruption and cytoskeletal rearrangement via LPAR1/3-dependent PKC/GSK3β/β-catenin and PKC/Rho GTPase pathways

Bioactive molecules and stem cell-based regenerative engineering is emerging a promising approach for regenerating tissues. Autotaxin (ATX) is a key enzyme that regulates lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) levels in biological fluids, which exerts a wide range of cellular functions. However, the biological role of ATX in human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) migration remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, we observed that hMSCs, which were stimulated with LPA, accelerated wound healing, and LPA increased the migration of hMSCs into a wound site in a mouse skin wound healing model. In an experiment to investigate the effect of LPA on hMSC migration, ATX and LPA increased hMSC migration in a dose-dependent manner, and LPA receptor 1/3 siRNA transfections inhibited the ATX-induced cell migration. Furthermore, LPA increased Ca(2+) influx and PKC phosphorylation, which were blocked by Gαi and Gαq knockdown as well as by Ptx pretreatment. LPA increased GSK3β phosphorylation and β-catenin activation. LPA induced the cytosol to nuclear translocation of β-catenin, which was inhibited by PKC inhibitors. LPA stimulated the binding of β-catenin on the E-box located in the promoter of the CDH-1 gene and decreased CDH-1 promoter activity. In addition, the ATX and LPA-induced increase in hMSC migration was blocked by β-catenin siRNA transfection. LPA-induced PKC phosphorylation is also involved in Rac1 and CDC42 activation, and Rac1 and CDC42 knockdown abolished LPA-induced F-actin reorganization. In conclusion, ATX/LPA stimulates the migration of hMSCs through LPAR1/3-dependent E-cadherin reduction and cytoskeletal rearrangement via PKC/GSK3β/β-catenin and PKC/Rho GTPase pathways.

Lysophosphatidic Acid and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate: A Concise Review of Biological Function and Applications for Tissue Engineering

The presentation and controlled release of bioactive signals to direct cellular growth and differentiation represents a widely used strategy in tissue engineering. Historically, work in this field has primarily focused on the delivery of large cytokines and growth factors, which can be costly to manufacture and difficult to deliver in a sustained manner. There has been a marked increase over the past decade in the pursuit of lipid mediators due to their wide range of effects over multiple cell types, low cost, and ease of scale-up. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) are two bioactive lysophospholipids (LPLs) that have gained attention for use as pharmacological agents in tissue engineering applications. While these lipids can have similar effects on cellular response, they possess distinct chemical backbones, mechanisms of synthesis and degradation, and signaling pathways using a discrete set of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). LPA and S1P predominantly act extracellularly on their GPCRs and can directly regulate cell survival, differentiation, cytokine secretion, proliferation, and migration--each of the important functions that must be considered in regenerative medicine. In addition to these potent physiological functions, these LPLs play pivotal roles in a number of pathophysiological processes. To capitalize on the promise of these molecules in tissue engineering, these lipids have been incorporated into biomaterials for in vivo delivery. Here, we survey the effects of LPA and S1P on both cellular- and tissue-level phenotypes, with an eye toward regulating stem/progenitor cell growth and differentiation. In particular, we examine work that has translational applications for cell-based tissue engineering strategies in promoting cell survival, bone and cartilage engineering, and therapeutic angiogenesis.

The autotaxin-lysophosphatidic acid-lysophosphatidic acid receptor cascade: proposal of a novel potential therapeutic target for treating glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant tumor of the central nervous system (CNS). Its prognosis is one of the worst among all cancer types, and it is considered a fatal malignancy, incurable with conventional therapeutic strategies. As the bioactive multifunctional lipid mediator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is well recognized to be involved in the tumorigenesis of cancers by acting on G-protein-coupled receptors, LPA receptor (LPAR) antagonists and LPA synthesis inhibitors have been proposed as promising drugs for cancer treatment. Six LPARs, named LPA1-6, are currently recognized. Among them, LPA1 is the dominant LPAR in the CNS and is highly expressed in GBM in combination with the overexpression of autotaxin (ATX), the enzyme (a phosphodiesterase, which is a potent cell motility-stimulating factor) that produces LPA.Invasion is a defining hallmark of GBM. LPA is significantly related to cell adhesion, cell motility, and invasion through the Rho family GTPases Rho and Rac. LPA1 is responsible for LPA-driven cell motility, which is attenuated by LPA4. GBM is among the most vascular human tumors. Although anti-angiogenic therapy (through the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)) was established, sufficient results have not been obtained because of the increased invasiveness triggered by anti-angiogenesis. As both ATX and LPA play a significant role in angiogenesis, similar to VEGF, inhibition of the ATX/LPA axis may be beneficial as a two-pronged therapy that includes anti-angiogenic and anti-invasion therapy. Conventional approaches to GBM are predominantly directed at cell proliferation. Recurrent tumors regrow from cells that have invaded brain tissues and are less proliferative, and are thus quite resistant to conventional drugs and radiation, which preferentially kill rapidly proliferating cells. A novel approach that targets this invasive subpopulation of GBM cells may improve the prognosis of GBM. Patients with GBM that contacts the subventricular zone (SVZ) have decreased survival. A putative source of GBM cells is the SVZ, the largest area of neurogenesis in the adult human brain. GBM stem cells in the SVZ that are positive for the neural stem cell surface antigen CD133 are highly tumorigenic and enriched in recurrent GBM. LPA1 expression appears to be increased in these cells. Here, the author reviews research on the ATX/LPAR axis, focusing on GBM and an ATX/LPAR-targeted approach.

Convergent regulation of neuronal differentiation and Erk and Akt kinases in human neural progenitor cells by lysophosphatidic acid, sphingosine 1-phosphate, and LIF: specific roles for the LPA1 receptor

The bioactive lysophospholipids lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) have diverse effects on the developing nervous system and neural progenitors, but the molecular basis for their pleiotropic effects is poorly understood. We previously defined LPA and S1P signaling in proliferating human neural progenitor (hNP) cells, and the current study investigates their role in neuronal differentiation of these cells. Differentiation in the presence of LPA or S1P significantly enhanced cell survival and decreased expression of neuronal markers. Further, the LPA receptor antagonist Ki16425 fully blocked the effects of LPA, and differentiation in the presence of Ki16425 dramatically enhanced neurite length. LPA and S1P robustly activated Erk, but surprisingly both strongly suppressed Akt activation. Ki16425 and pertussis toxin blocked LPA activation of Erk but not LPA inhibition of Akt, suggesting distinct receptor and G-protein subtypes mediate these effects. Finally, we explored cross talk between lysophospholipid signaling and the cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). LPA/S1P effects on neuronal differentiation were amplified in the presence of LIF. Similarly, the ability of LPA/S1P to regulate Erk and Akt was impacted by the presence of LIF; LIF enhanced the inhibitory effect of LPA/S1P on Akt phosphorylation, while LIF blunted the activation of Erk by LPA/S1P. Taken together, our results suggest that LPA and S1P enhance survival and inhibit neuronal differentiation of hNP cells, and LPA1 is critical for the effect of LPA. The pleiotropic effects of LPA may reflect differences in receptor subtype expression or cross talk with LIF receptor signaling.

Dynamic Cross Talk between S1P and CXCL12 Regulates Hematopoietic Stem Cells Migration, Development and Bone Remodeling

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are mostly retained in a quiescent non-motile mode in their bone marrow (BM) niches, shifting to a migratory cycling and differentiating state to replenish the blood with mature leukocytes on demand. The balance between the major chemo-attractants CXCL12, predominantly in the BM, and S1P, mainly in the blood, dynamically regulates HSC recruitment to the circulation versus their retention in the BM. During alarm situations, stress-signals induce a decrease in CXCL12 levels in the BM, while S1P levels are rapidly and transiently increased in the circulation, thus favoring mobilization of stem cells as part of host defense and repair mechanisms. Myeloid cytokines, including G-CSF, up-regulate S1P signaling in the BM via the PI3K pathway. Induced CXCL12 secretion from stromal cells via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and increased S1P₁ expression and ROS signaling in HSCs, all facilitate mobilization. Bone turnover is also modulated by both CXCL12 and S1P, regulating the dynamic BM stromal microenvironment, osteoclasts and stem cell niches which all functionally express CXCL12 and S1P receptors. Overall, CXCL12 and S1P levels in the BM and circulation are synchronized to mutually control HSC motility, leukocyte production and osteoclast/osteoblast bone turnover during homeostasis and stress situations.

In situ tissue regeneration: chemoattractants for endogenous stem cell recruitment

Tissue engineering uses cells, signaling molecules, and/or biomaterials to regenerate injured or diseased tissues. Ex vivo expanded mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have long been a cornerstone of regeneration therapies; however, drawbacks that include altered signaling responses and reduced homing capacity have prompted investigation of regeneration based on endogenous MSC recruitment. Recent successful proof-of-concept studies have further motivated endogenous MSC recruitment-based approaches. Stem cell migration is required for morphogenesis and organogenesis during development and for tissue maintenance and injury repair in adults. A biomimetic approach to in situ tissue regeneration by endogenous MSC requires the orchestration of three main stages: MSC recruitment, MSC differentiation, and neotissue maturation. The first stage must result in recruitment of a sufficient number of MSC, capable of effecting regeneration, to the injured or diseased tissue. One of the challenges for engineering endogenous MSC recruitment is the selection of effective chemoattractant(s). The objective of this review is to synthesize and evaluate evidence of recruitment efficacy by reported chemoattractants, including growth factors, chemokines, and other more recently appreciated MSC chemoattractants. The influence of MSC tissue sources, cell culture methods, and the in vitro and in vivo environments is discussed. This growing body of knowledge will serve as a basis for the rational design of regenerative therapies based on endogenous MSC recruitment. Successful endogenous MSC recruitment is the first step of successful tissue regeneration.

Sphingosine Phosphate Lyase Regulates Murine Embryonic Stem Cell Proliferation and Pluripotency through an S1P2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid that activates a family of G protein coupled-receptors (GPCRs) implicated in mammalian development, angiogenesis, immunity and tissue regeneration. S1P functions as a trophic factor for many cell types, including embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Sphingosine phosphate lyase (SPL) is an intracellular enzyme that catalyzes the irreversible degradation of S1P. We found SPL to be highly expressed in murine ESCs (mESCs). To investigate the role of SPL in mESC biology, we silenced SPL in mESCs via stable transfection with a lentiviral SPL-specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA) construct. SPL-knockdown (SPL-KD) mESCs showed a 5-fold increase in cellular S1P levels, increased proliferation rates and high expression of cell surface pluripotency markers SSEA1 and OCT4 compared to vector control cells. Compared to control mESCs, SPL-KD cells showed robust activation of STAT3 and a 10-fold increase in S1P₂ expression. Inhibition of S1P₂ or STAT3 reversed the proliferation and pluripotency phenotypes of SPL-KD mESCs. Further, inhibition of S1P₂ attenuated, in a dose-dependent fashion, the high levels of OCT4 and STAT3 activation observed in SPL-KD mESCs. Finally, we showed that SPL-KD cells are capable of generating embryoid bodies from which muscle stem cells, called satellite cells, can be isolated. These findings demonstrate an important role for SPL in ESC homeostasis and suggest that SPL inhibition could facilitate ex vivo ESC expansion for therapeutic purposes.

Roles, regulation and inhibitors of sphingosine kinase 2

The bioactive sphingolipids ceramide, sphingosine and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) are important signalling molecules that regulate a diverse array of cellular processes. Most notably, the balance of the levels of these three sphingolipids in cells, termed the 'sphingolipid rheostat', can dictate cell fate, where ceramide and sphingosine enhance apoptosis and S1P promotes cell survival and proliferation. The sphingosine kinases (SKs) catalyse the production of S1P from sphingosine and are therefore central regulators of the sphingolipid rheostat and attractive targets for cancer therapy. Two SKs exist in humans: SK1 and SK2. SK1 has been extensively studied and there is a large body of evidence to demonstrate its role in promoting cell survival, proliferation and neoplastic transformation. SK1 is also elevated in many human cancers which appears to contribute to carcinogenesis, chemotherapeutic resistance and poor patient outcome. SK2, however, has not been as well characterized, and there are contradictions in the key physiological functions that have been proposed for this isoform. Despite this, many studies are now emerging that implicate SK2 in key roles in a variety of diseases, including the development of a range of solid tumours. Here, we review the literature examining SK2, its physiological and pathophysiological functions, the current knowledge of its regulation, and recent developments in targeting this complex enzyme.

Rho/ROCK pathway is essential to the expansion, differentiation, and morphological rearrangements of human neural stem/progenitor cells induced by lysophosphatidic acid

We previously reported that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) inhibits the neuronal differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESC). We extended these studies by analyzing LPA's effects on the expansion of neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PC) derived from hESCs and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), and we assessed whether data obtained on the neural differentiation of hESCs were relevant to iPSCs. We showed that hESCs and iPSCs exhibited comparable mRNA expression profiles of LPA receptors and producing enzymes upon neural differentiation. We demonstrated that LPA inhibited the expansion of NS/PCs of both origins, mainly by increased apoptosis in a Rho/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, LPA inhibited the neuronal differentiation of iPSCs. Lastly, LPA induced neurite retraction of NS/PC-derived early neurons through Rho/ROCK, which was accompanied by myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation. Our data demonstrate the consistency of LPA effects across various sources of human NS/PCs, rendering hESCs and iPSCs valuable models for studying lysophospholipid signaling in human neural cells. Our data also highlight the importance of the Rho/ROCK pathway in human NS/PCs. As LPA levels are increased in the central nervous system (CNS) following injury, LPA-mediated effects on NS/PCs and early neurons could contribute to the poor neurogenesis observed in the CNS following injury.

Blockage of lysophosphatidic acid signaling improves spinal cord injury outcomes

Evidence suggests a proinflammatory role of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) in various pathologic abnormalities, including in the central nervous system. Herein, we describe LPA as an important mediator of inflammation after spinal cord injury (SCI) in zebrafish and mice. Furthermore, we describe a novel monoclonal blocking antibody raised against LPA that potently inhibits LPA's effect in vitro and in vivo. This antibody, B3, specifically binds LPA, prevents it from interacting with its complement of receptors, and blocks LPA's effects on the neuronal differentiation of human neural stem/progenitor cells, demonstrating its specificity toward LPA signaling. When administered systemically to mice subjected to SCI, B3 substantially reduced glial inflammation and neuronal death. B3-treated animals demonstrated significantly more neuronal survival upstream of the lesion site, with some functional improvement. This study describes the use of anti-LPA monoclonal antibody as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of SCI.

G-protein-coupled receptors in adult neurogenesis

The importance of adult neurogenesis has only recently been accepted, resulting in a completely new field of investigation within stem cell biology. The regulation and functional significance of adult neurogenesis is currently an area of highly active research. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have emerged as potential modulators of adult neurogenesis. GPCRs represent a class of proteins with significant clinical importance, because approximately 30% of all modern therapeutic treatments target these receptors. GPCRs bind to a large class of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Besides their typical role in cellular communication, GPCRs are expressed on adult neural stem cells and their progenitors that relay specific signals to regulate the neurogenic process. This review summarizes the field of adult neurogenesis and its methods and specifies the roles of various GPCRs and their signal transduction pathways that are involved in the regulation of adult neural stem cells and their progenitors. Current evidence supporting adult neurogenesis as a model for self-repair in neuropathologic conditions, adult neural stem cell therapeutic strategies, and potential avenues for GPCR-based therapeutics are also discussed.

Sphingosine kinase and sphingosine 1-phosphate in the heart: a decade of progress

Activation of sphingosine kinase/sphingosine 1-phosphate (SK/S1P)-mediated signaling has emerged as a critical cardioprotective pathway in response to acute ischemia/reperfusion injury. S1P is released in both ischemic pre- and post-conditioning. Application of exogenous S1P to cultured cardiac myocytes subjected to hypoxia or treatment of isolated hearts either before ischemia or at the onset of reperfusion exerts prosurvival effects. Synthetic congeners of S1P such as FTY720 mimic these responses. Gene targeted mice null for the SK1 isoform whose hearts are subjected to ischemia/reperfusion injury exhibit increased infarct size and respond poorly either to ischemic pre- or postconditioning. Measurements of cardiac SK activity and S1P parallel these observations. Experiments in SK2 knockout mice have revealed that this isoform is necessary for survival in the heart. High density lipoprotein (HDL) is a major carrier of S1P, and studies of hearts in which selected S1P receptors have been inhibited implicate the S1P cargo of HDL in cardioprotection. Inhibition of S1P lyase, an endogenous enzyme that degrades S1P, also leads to cardioprotection. These observations have considerable relevance for future therapeutic approaches to acute and chronic myocardial injury. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Advances in Lysophospholipid Research.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate-primed astrocytes enhance differentiation of neuronal progenitor cells

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive signaling lysophospholipid. Effects of S1P on proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation have already been described; however, its role as a mediator of interactions between neurons and glial cells has been poorly explored. Here we describe effects of S1P, via the activation of its receptors in astrocytes, on the differentiation of neural progenitor cells (NPC) derived from either embryonic stem cells or the developing cerebral cortex. S1P added directly to NPC induced their differentiation, but S1P-primed astrocytes were able to promote even more pronounced changes in maturation, neurite outgrowth, and arborization in NPC. An increase in laminin by astrocytes was observed after S1P treatment. The effects of S1P-primed astrocytes on neural precursor cells were abrogated by antibodies against laminin. Together, our data indicate that S1P-treated astrocytes are able to induce neuronal differentiation of NPC by increasing the levels of laminin. These results implicate S1P signaling pathways as new targets for understanding neuroglial interactions within the central nervous system.

Targeting lysophosphatidic acid signaling retards culture-associated senescence of human marrow stromal cells

Marrow stromal cells (MSCs) isolated from mesenchymal tissues can propagate in vitro to some extent and differentiate into various tissue lineages to be used for cell-based therapies. Cellular senescence, which occurs readily in continual MSC culture, leads to loss of these characteristic properties, representing one of the major limitations to achieving the potential of MSCs. In this study, we investigated the effect of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a ubiquitous metabolite in membrane phospholipid synthesis, on the senescence program of human MSCs. We show that MSCs preferentially express the LPA receptor subtype 1, and an abrogation of the receptor engagement with the antagonistic compound Ki16425 attenuates senescence induction in continually propagated human MSCs. This anti-aging effect of Ki16425 results in extended rounds of cellular proliferation, increased clonogenic potential, and retained plasticity for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Expressions of p16(Ink4a), Rb, p53, and p21(Cip1), which have been associated with cellular senescence, were all reduced in human MSCs by the pharmacological inhibition of LPA signaling. Disruption of this signaling pathway was accompanied by morphological changes such as cell thinning and elongation as well as actin filament deformation through decreased phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase. Prevention of LPA receptor engagement also promoted ubiquitination-mediated c-Myc elimination in MSCs, and consequently the entry into a quiescent state, G(0) phase, of the cell cycle. Collectively, these results highlight the potential of pharmacological intervention against LPA signaling for blunting senescence-associated loss of function characteristic of human MSCs.

Over-expression of sphingosine kinase-1 enhances a progenitor phenotype in human endothelial cells

OBJECTIVES

The use of endothelial progenitor cells in vascular therapies has been limited due to their low numbers present in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sphingosine kinase on the de-differentiation of mature human endothelial cells toward a progenitor phenotype.

METHODS

The lipid enzyme sphingosine kinase-1 was lentivirally over-expressed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and cells were analyzed for progenitor phenotype and function.

RESULTS

Sphingosine kinase-1 mRNA expression was induced approximately 150-fold with a resultant 20-fold increase in sphingosine kinase-1 enzymatic activity. The mRNA expression of the progenitor cell markers CD34, CD133, and CD117 and transcription factor NANOG increased, while the endothelial cell markers analyzed were largely unchanged. The protein level of mature endothelial cell surface markers CD31, CD144, and von Willebrand factor significantly decreased compared to controls. In addition, functional assays provided further evidence for a de-differentiated phenotype with increased viability, reduced uptake of acetylated low-density lipoprotein and decreased tube formation in Matrigel in the cells over-expressing sphingosine kinase-1.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that over-expression of sphingosine kinase-1 in human endothelial cells promotes, in part, their de-differentiation to a progenitor cell phenotype, and is thus a potential tool for the generation of a large population of vascular progenitor cells for therapeutic use.

S1P promotes murine progenitor cell egress and mobilization via S1P1-mediated ROS signaling and SDF-1 release

The mechanisms of hematopoietic progenitor cell egress and clinical mobilization are not fully understood. Herein, we report that in vivo desensitization of Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors by FTY720 as well as disruption of S1P gradient toward the blood, reduced steady state egress of immature progenitors and primitive Sca-1(+)/c-Kit(+)/Lin(-) (SKL) cells via inhibition of SDF-1 release. Administration of AMD3100 or G-CSF to mice with deficiencies in either S1P production or its receptor S1P(1), or pretreated with FTY720, also resulted in reduced stem and progenitor cell mobilization. Mice injected with AMD3100 or G-CSF demonstrated transient increased S1P levels in the blood mediated via mTOR signaling, as well as an elevated rate of immature c-Kit(+)/Lin(-) cells expressing surface S1P(1) in the bone marrow (BM). Importantly, we found that S1P induced SDF-1 secretion from BM stromal cells including Nestin(+) mesenchymal stem cells via reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling. Moreover, elevated ROS production by hematopoietic progenitor cells is also regulated by S1P. Our findings reveal that the S1P/S1P(1) axis regulates progenitor cell egress and mobilization via activation of ROS signaling on both hematopoietic progenitors and BM stromal cells, and SDF-1 release. The dynamic cross-talk between S1P and SDF-1 integrates BM stromal cells and hematopoeitic progenitor cell motility.

It's a lipid's world: bioactive lipid metabolism and signaling in neural stem cell differentiation

Lipids are often considered membrane components whose function is to embed proteins into cell membranes. In the last two decades, studies on brain lipids have unequivocally demonstrated that many lipids have critical cell signaling functions; they are called "bioactive lipids". Pioneering work in Dr. Robert Ledeen's laboratory has shown that two bioactive brain sphingolipids, sphingomyelin and the ganglioside GM1 are major signaling lipids in the nuclear envelope. In addition to derivatives of the sphingolipid ceramide, the bioactive lipids discussed here belong to the classes of terpenoids and steroids, eicosanoids, and lysophospholipids. These lipids act mainly through two mechanisms: (1) direct interaction between the bioactive lipid and a specific protein binding partner such as a lipid receptor, protein kinase or phosphatase, ion exchanger, or other cell signaling protein; and (2) formation of lipid microdomains or rafts that regulate the activity of a group of raft-associated cell signaling proteins. In recent years, a third mechanism has emerged, which invokes lipid second messengers as a regulator for the energy and redox balance of differentiating neural stem cells (NSCs). Interestingly, developmental niches such as the stem cell niche for adult NSC differentiation may also be metabolic compartments that respond to a distinct combination of bioactive lipids. The biological function of these lipids as regulators of NSC differentiation will be reviewed and their application in stem cell therapy discussed.